McCosky shoots down trade rumors

Chris McCosky adds some reality and logic to the constant flood of internet trade rumors in a couple of recent blog entries.

January 24, Detroit News: I understand why a lot of fans are fantasizing about the Pistons make a run at Pau Gasol. But you are wasting your time. For Memphis president Jerry West to trade him, he's going to want a couple of starters and a lottery pick. Gasol makes more than $12 million this year and will make pretty close to maximum money for the next five years.

The Grizzlies wouldn't take 32-year-old Rasheed Wallace for 20-something Gasol, you are clear on that, right? They won't take a collection of guys off the Pistons' bench either. The Pistons would have to trade a chunk of their core group -- Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, or Chauncey Billups and Prince. Why would Joe Dumars do that? Why would he break up a championship-caliber core to bring in Gasol? What have the Grizzlies won with him? Nothing. What would the Pistons win with him if they subtract two of their current starters? Nothing. Seriously, do you want to turn the Pistons into the Grizzlies?

... and from an earlier entry

January 22, Detroit News: That said, I can tell you, for sure, Dumars has NOT talked to Golden State (at all, about any player) or San Antonio (at all). Dumars has not talked to New Jersey about acquiring Jason Collins, either, which was reported last week. He has talked to Minnesota about a Nazr Mohammed-Marko Jaric deal, which isn't dead but on the backburner right now. He has also made inquiries about Mo Peterson and Bonzi Wells. There are certainly others that he has looked into that I haven't caught wind of yet. The Pistons are going to eventually move Mohammed, I don't think that is much of a secret. Flip Murray, too, is likely to be gone. But Dumars isn't going to rush into making any deal. He doesn't want to keep Mohammed on the hook, but moving a guy with five years and $25 million left on his contract isn't easy. Patience.